Getting to Grips with Octaves

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Types of Octaves

There are several different types (or species) of octaves, which one we use is dependent on the musical context. Here are the main types, with examples and practice suggestions. Legato (quasi-legato) Octaves To achieve legato, we hold each octave as long as possible. The touch will be tenuto, no breaking at the wrist. In order to hold the top note as long as possible, it is often helpful to feel a rotary motion of the forearm, where the thumb releases first and the 5th finger (or top finger) comes up shortly after, rotating across. The tonal balance is very much...